FT-Raman and FTIR spectroscopy of intercalated kaolinites

Changes in the molecular structure of a low defect structured kaolinite, intercalated with potassium and cesium acetates have been studied using FTIR reflectance and FT-Raman spectroscopy. Additional Raman bands, attributed to the inner surface hydroxyl groups strongly hydrogen bonded to the acetate, are observed at similar to 3605 cm(-1) for the potassium and at 3598 and 3606 cm(-1) for cesium acetate intercalates with the consequential loss of intensity in the bands at 3652, 3670, 3684 and 3693 cm(-1). Changes in the position of the band assigned to the inner hydroxyl group are observed upon the formation of the cesium acetate intercalate. DRIFT results are complementary to the Raman microscopic investigations and have proven particularly useful in the study of the hydration sphere of the intercalating cation and the possible effect of the cation on the position of the band assigned to the inner hydroxyl group.